As a psychologist and neuroscientist, I am interested in understanding the mind-brain relationships of human social cognition, focusing on the importance of cognitive, affective, and motivational processes in mediating social interactions. By applying paradigms from social psychology, experimental economics, and social neuroscience, I am pursuing two lines of research to study proximate neural mechanisms (i.e., how they work) and ultimate functions (i.e., why they exist and work) of social cognition. The first line of research aims to understand the biological basis of prosocial behaviors (e.g., trust, reciprocity) during social exchange. The second line of research is designed to shed light on the neuroplasticity of social cognition in healthy development and recovery from brain injury. I am using an interdisciplinary multi-methods approach that combines neuroimaging (brain structure, function, and connectivity), neuroendocrinology, and neurogenetics to promote new perspectives in understanding the neural architecture of social cognition. Such an approach can help to transfer basic research findings into treatment for and prevention of social brain disorders ultimately providing benefits to human health.

Summer 2019 REU

This summer we will run our 3rd annual CSN/IFREE summer workshop for undergraduate students on computational experimental economics. The workshop runs from from June 3 to August 2nd with the week of July 1-5 off for family vacations. The workshop pays a stipend of $4,000 to participants. Funding for the workshop is provided by the International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics. If you are interested you can learn more here.

Directions and Maps

The center is located on the Arlington Campus in suite 5019 For a map go here.